Colestipol (By mouth)
koe-LES-ti-pol
Lowers cholesterol levels.
Drug classes
Antihyperlipidemic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Colestipol is used to lower high cholesterol levels in the blood. This may help prevent medical problems caused by cholesterol clogging the blood vessels.
Colestipol works by attaching to certain substances in the intestine. Since colestipol is not absorbed into the body, these substances also pass out of the body without being absorbed.
Colestipol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Colestipol is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Once a medicine has been approved for marketing for a certain use, experience may show that it is also useful for other medical problems. Although these uses are not included in product labeling, colestipol is used in certain patients with the following medical conditions:
Digitalis glycoside overdose
Excess oxalate in the urine
Itching (pruritus) associated with partial biliary obstruction
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Powder for suspension:
Do not use the powder or granules in its dry form. Mix the powder with one-half glass (3 ounces or more) of water, milk, or juice. Drink the mixed medicine right away. Rinse the glass with more liquid and drink that, too, so you get all of the medicine. The medicine can also be mixed into soup, fruit cocktail, or milk used on breakfast cereal.Tablets: Swallow each tablet one at a time with plenty of water. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some foods and medicines can affect how colestipol works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:
Digoxin, gemfibrozil, hydrocortisone, mycophenolic acid, mycophenolate mofetil, penicillin G, propranolol, tetracycline A diuretic (water pill, such as chlorothiazide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) Folic acid, vitamins, or supplements containing phosphorusTake other medicines 1 hour before or 4 hours after you take colestipol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to colestipol.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, phenylketonuria, thyroid problems, hemorrhoids, or problems with constipation.
This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding problems.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blood in your stools
Chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeat
Severe constipation and stomach bloating
Trouble swallowing
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, gas, stomach pain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Colestid, Colestid Flavored, Colestid Gran
There may be other brand names for this medicine.